ISSN:
0730-2312
Keywords:
natural killer cells
;
human aging
;
senescence
;
mature phenotype
;
cytotoxic activity
;
MHC-unrestricted
;
cell mediated immunity
;
CD16 (Leu-11)
;
CD57 (Leu-7)
;
CD56 (Leu-19)
;
Life and Medical Sciences
;
Cell & Developmental Biology
Source:
Wiley InterScience Backfile Collection 1832-2000
Topics:
Biology
,
Chemistry and Pharmacology
,
Medicine
Notes:
The major histocompatibility complex-unrestricted, cell-mediated, constitutive anti-tumor cytotoxic function of natural killer cells is highly preserved in healthy elderly. A study of the dynamics of expression of natural killer cell-associated phenotypes during immunosenescence shows that selective, bidirectional, and disproportionate changes in certain natural killer cell subset number and ratio take place during aging. The mean natural killer cell subset ratio (%CD16+CD57+ over%CD56+CD57-)gradually increases from a young adult level of 0.7 to 4.6 with advancing age predominantly due to a tripling of %CD16+57+ cells as opposed to a moderate decrease (-54%)in %CD56+57- phenotype. The parallel increase in natural killer phenotype ratio and cytotoxic activity might represent a shift in the maturity status of these cells. Based on these findings, a model of natural killer cell immunosenescence is proposed. It is concluded that not all immunosenescent changes need be detrimental; some may even improve the potential for survival and represent an adaptational immunosenescent change. © 1992 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Additional Material:
4 Ill.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/jcb.240500407
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